It has a vitrified (glassy) appearance and is hard, strong and non-porous. 2) Cleaning products utilizing chlorine bleach may be used for cleaning and disinfection, but chlorine will not have any significant effect on mineral stains. Also, if your bathtub has an acrylic or enamel coating, it is highly recommended you stay away from bleach as well, as it will invariably lead to further corrosive damage down the road. Hard-paste porcelain, also known as true porcelain, is fired at temperatures up to 1450ºC. And don't use it on porcelain! Water combined with light inactivate the disinfection properties of bleach in 24 hours. Even after we rinsed the tub, the next morning we found nasty bleach stains around the tub. Do some Google time if you doubt it. That's fine, if you don't mind making things WORSE over time. Properly sealed slate is stain-resistant, but if a stain should occur, you can use a stain-removal poultice for stone flooring, available in stores. Slate flooring does scratch more easily than other flooring options. It works well because it is abrasive. You'll probably need a heavy-duty cleaner. She said eventually the toilet will not flush properly as the bend will be so scarred that it traps the paper.” Another argued: 'The bleach will eventually eat away at the porcelain and damage any plastic and chrome fittings. Comet (and cleaners like it) contain pumice, which is basically fine sand. To clean tough stains on your porcelain surfaces, spray the stain with liquid bleach, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a sponge. As you probably know, bleach is an amazingly powerful cleaning compound, but it works best on white surfaces – that’s why it’s best for cleaning a white porcelain kitchen sink only. Thanks for the help everyone! However, bleach is known to be corrosive to metals and can cause damage to some plastics. … 2) Do not heat in oven. Bleach can damage your materials: Whether you’re cleaning in between beautiful tiles or you’re scrubbing at the grout around a fine porcelain fixture, the damage you’re not seeing could be the worse prospect of all when it comes to cleaning with bleach. If significant restoration damage or harm results (discussed below), the time and expense involved with replacing porcelain restorations can be considerable. After that, you can finish it up with a damp mop for a clean porcelain floor. Similarly, does bleach damage enamel baths? This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Brad Plummer Plumber. If your sink is in otherwise good condition, you can help to keep it this way by wiping it down … Are drain cleaners safe for PVC pipes? Bleach stains…sounds contradictory, doesn’t it? And man, we learned our lesson: Don’t. Porcelain tiles are a great choice because they are easy to clean up. Overtime though if bleach is used too much it can eat away at the porcelain surface on the inside of the toilet bowl. Well, a few days ago, in an effort to unclog our drain, we followed the advice of one of our friends and poured bleach down the drain. You should also avoid cleaners that contain coloring or dye, as this can stain the tiles. That. However occasionally using some bleach to clean your toilet bowl should do no harm to the porcelain toilet. Give peroxide a whirl as your weekly recipe when you have to clean high-traffic grimy porcelain. Bleach can damage your materials: Whether you're cleaning in between beautiful tiles or you're scrubbing at the grout around a fine porcelain fixture, the damage you're not seeing could be the worse prospect of all when it comes to cleaning with bleach. The pumice puts microscopic scratches in porcelain, which makes the surface rough, which makes it stain more easily. IMPORTANT UPDATE: If you are the owner of an older porcelain enamel bathtub or sinks, please see my May 2, 2016 story Understanding potential lead hazards in old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any age; this article focuses on raising awareness around three other potential sources of lead dust exposure in your home – old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and … "Toilets should be cleaned with warm soapy water and dried with an old towel. Simply pouring undiluted bleach directly onto the bathtub surface may cause the porcelain or other material to become permanently discolored. That is if it was in fact bleach that was used. Despite the hardness of the material, these pieces are often brittle and easy to damage; Bleach and chemical cleaners should always be avoided when cleaning porcelain Peroxide works in much the same manner as chlorine bleach, but peroxide is milder and is safe to use on colored tiles without risking discoloration and damage. But it can also remove color. Hard-paste . If the stain is old oil based substance (e.g., grease), it can melt and spread under the glaze creating a larger stain. Bleach and Common Bathtub Materials: Fiberglass: Bleach friendly Porcelain: Bleach friendly, white porcelain only! Abrasive materials such as harsh cleansers, pure vinegar, bleach , scouring powders, and steel wool can damage the enamel on the tub . Grout can become dirty and dull over time, leaving you in need of a strong cleaner that removes all of the buildup. Don’t worry that whitening will harm your crowns or porcelain veneers. Bleach or chlorine may remove the stains but also can damage your ceramic item as illustrated below. Bleach and ammonia can stain your grout lines and damage the color of your tiles. July 24, 2015 by Cori George 3 Comments. The occasional bleach and quick flush is ok." In fact, a good way to know if the stains are from minerals is if they are resistant to chlorine! Your dental restorations are made of extremely strong materials and won’t be affected by the bleach in the tooth whitening treatment. Does this gradually damage the porcelain surface so that it eventually traps dirt more easily, leading to a vicious cycle of more dirt and more cleaning? Bleach does have an impact on the glazed finish. Clorox is a strong bleach that should only be used as needed. 1) Do not use bleach or chlorine. “The lady told me I should never use bleach as it destroys the porcelain. Vintage porcelain sinks are in demand for both home remodels and new builds. Typically bleach is not required for cleaning the actual tile, but more for the grout. How to Care for a Porcelain Sink. Some people clean the toilet bowl by just squirting in bleach or strong toilet cleaner and leaving it. theora55: Trust me, old porcelain (circa WWII and before) will stain brown when bleach is applied. Though china variants, such as stoneware, are dishwasher and microwave-safe, it’s usually advisable to hand-wash porcelain and bone china dishes. Toilets should be cleaned with warm soapy water and dried with an old towel. EVER! Bleach is very corrosive to metal, so make sure to avoid getting the mixture on any nearby metal fixtures. Premixed commercial disinfection products with bleach have preservatives in them to keep them viable for much longer than just bleach and water mixed. Chlorine bleach is a powerful oxidizer that can remove stains in floor tile grout. The chlorine element in a classic chlorine-based bleach oxidizes the iron from the porcelain. Do not use bleach or ammonia on the tiles. Opt for vinegar instead as this is a natural product that restores shine, disinfects, and deodorizes the tiles. Does Barkeeper’s Friend Really Work on Porcelain? Oxidized iron is rust, hence the rusty red color. Yes, bleach has a shelf life, you should use it within 6 months after opening. Bleach does have an impact on the glazed finish. Always use a neutral pH tile or stone cleaning product. Cleaners with added dye or coloring should also be avoided as well as oil-based detergents and wax cleaners. Besides avoiding ammonia, you should also avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach. Yes bleach can damage porcelain toilets especially if you use too much bleach or use bleach too often to clean your toilet. Why the tub turns white again: Hydrogen peroxide, Oxi Clean, and Clorox 2 are all chlorine-free cleaning agents (also the reason … Does vinegar damage porcelain tile? 3. Alternatively, try an ammonia solution of ¼ cup ammonia and ¼ cup baking soda diluted in a bucket of warm water. Porcelain describes ceramics with a white body fired at a high temperature. Some coatings can suffer damage from bleach, but fortunately, porcelain is not one of them. Brad Plummer Plumber However, a third shared: "The bleach will eventually eat away at the porcelain and damage any plastic and chrome fittings. Best With Bleach: Clorox Plus Tilex Daily Shower Cleaner Spray Bottle. There are several foolproof methods for whitening tiles, without it being necessary to use chemicals. To use the bleach… Bleach does nothing to kill mold—all it does is bleach it! Cleaning a White Porcelain Kitchen Sink with Bleach. Make sure you do not use cleaning products that contain bleach or ammonia on the tiles, as this can stain the grout and damage the coloring of the porcelain tiles. Bleach can be used sparingly when cleaning porcelain sinks. To clean ceramic or porcelain tiles, use nearly any type of cleaner, whether it's all-purpose, dish soap, or simple white vinegar—they don't scratch or … Re-glazing does look great, but I'm renting and will probably only be in this place for two years or less so doesn't seem a good investment. The Dental Damage of Whitening. Do. Any other porcelain will discolor. The most common tile flooring, ceramic, and porcelain are a cinch to maintain, though it's often hard to see the buildup of grime under your feet. To keep your porcelain floor looking shiny and sparkling clean, you can vacuum or sweep it twice a week. It can also damage the protective coatings on other materials such as porcelain tile and finished wood. Chlorine Bleach = BAD. Sulfuric acid is slightly less damaging to metal plumbing but can still damage aluminum, stainless steel and porcelain. However, a third shared: "The bleach will eventually eat away at the porcelain and damage any plastic and chrome fittings. Porcelain. It may be difficult, if possible at all, for even a dental professional to determine the nature (material, fabrication method) of some porcelain … Chlorine bleach can damage nearby fabrics and rugs if it is accidentally applied to them. It’s simply a cosmetic procedure. If a scratch does occur, you may be able to hide it by applying a bit of mineral oil.